Germicidal compound



Patented Dec. 25, 1928.

UNITED STATES,

PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES JEFFRIES GOODWIN, OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, ASSIGNOR T GOODWINLABORATORIES, INC., OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, A CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY.

GERMICIDAL COMPOUND.

No Drawing.

This invention relates to compounds for making germicidal solutionshaving general application to medical, surgical, sanitary and householduses, and particularly to a.

compound of the class described having special application to thepreparation of antiseptic washing solution for the glassware used atpublic soda fountains and for other similar uses.

The invention has for its principal objects the provision of agermicidal compound in which the germicidal propertles of certain 0f theingredients are accentuated, each by the presence of the other, and bythe reaction incident to their going into solution; to provide agermicidal compound of ingredients, inherently germicidal, in which thegermicidal strength is increased by the llberation of hydroxyl ions inthe aqueous solu tion of the compound; to provide a germicidal solutionof great potency which, on account of its ease of preparation, quicknessof action, and non-poisonous nature, is admirably suited to medicinal,surgical, pharmaceutical, sanitary, and domestic uses; and in theprovision of a compound of germicidal character, when in aqueoussolution, having the power to quickly dissolve the fatty envelopespossessed by many bacteria, thus rendering them quickly susceptible tothe action of the germicide.

Another object of the invention is to furnish the compound with a colorindex in the form of an ingredient that will lend a fugitive color tothe solution while incomplete, the color disappearing when the solutionbecomes complete and ready for use, thus serving as an indication of thepreparedness of the solution, said color being capable of being restoredfor testing purposes by the use of a suitable reagent, by means of whichnot only the strength but also the genuineness of the solution may beascertained.

Other objects of the invention will appear as the following descriptionof a preferred formula therefor proceeds. 1

The invention is carried out by preparing a mixture of a soap of bothsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids common to cocoanut oil and palmnut oil, preferably in their saturated condition, with a sodium saltcapable of hydrolyzing in water, tri-sodium Application filed November22, 1927. Serial No. 235,114.

phosphate and sodium per borate being tried examples of this class ofsalts.

Both the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids of the above oils haveinherent germi= cidal properties of high value not possessed by theglycerides of the fatty acids used in making ordinary cleansing soaps.When a soap thus prepared, consisting of the alkaline salts of the acidspeculiar to cocoanut and palm nut oil, is mixed with an alkali saltcapable of hydrolyzing in aqueous solution with the liberaton of freehydroxyl ions and produced by the hydrolyzat-ion attack and.

dissolve the fatty envelopes of certain bacteria thus allowing morepositive germicidal action of the germicidal agent, namely, the acidswhich are present in the form. of soap or sodium salts.

It has been found particularly advantageous to employ a color index forthe solution, both for indicating its strength and the completion of thesolution, as well as subsequently to permit of testing the solution forstrength and genuineness. For this purpose, there is preferably added aminute quantity of some harmless coloring agent such as-acid fuchsinwhich reacts red to a I slightly acidulated solution, but becomescolorless in an alkaline solution. In the coinmercial preparation of thegermicidal compound, this acid fuchsin is added as an ingredient. Insubsequent testing of a solution, a preparation of acid is added, whichshows the genuineness of the solution by bringing back the originalcolor,- the strength of the solution being indicated by the intensity ofthe color, which may be compared with a standard color chart.

The following example illustrates what has been found to be a preferredembodimentof the invention A mixture of 40% cocoanut oil soap(containing salts of capric, caprillic, caprioic,..lauric, and myristicacids), and

60% of tri-sodium pho hate (Na PO to which is added a trace 0 acidfuchsin.

When this mixture is put into aqueous solution, preferably at about 75C., the reaction is at first acid and the solution has a red tingeimparted by the fuchsin. In a minute or two the solution becomes clear,due to its progressive alkalization by the liberated hydroxyl ions. Inthe course of the hydrolysis of the tri-sodium phosphate, some of thesodium combines with the fuchsin, while the trisodium phosphate isreduced to the acid di-sodium phosphate (Na HPO which acts as a buffer,to prevent excess alkalinity of the solution.

Should extension of the solution from time to time be desired, in orderto ascertain if the genuine solution is being ,used or one of theprescribed stren h, a measured quantity of acid is mixed with a sampleof the solution which is to be tested, the color of the fuchsin beingthus restored and the strength of the solution being determined by theintensity of the color.

It is to be understood that other glycerides of fatty acids than thoseherein enumerated may be found suitable for the purpose of making agermicidal compound according to the present invention, and that othersalts, aside from the tri-sodium phosphate and sodium borate but whichhave a similar hydrolyzing action in water, may be substituted inplaceof the salts above mentioned in the making of the compound. Therefore,the invention is not to be construed-as limited to the preciseingredients given or the precise properties indicated as being used,except where specifically limited bythe express terms of the appendedclaims.

I claim 1. A germicidal compound for preparing germicidal aqueoussolution, comprising a mixture of soap including salts of the fattyacids common to cocoanut oil and palm nut oil, and tri-sodium phosphate.

'2. A germicidal compound for preparing germicidal aqueous solution,comprising a mixture of a soap including salts of the fatty acids commonto cocoanut oil and palm nut oil, and tri-sodium phosphate, and a traceof a substance se ving by its change of color when in solution toindicate acid and alkaline states of the solution of said compound.

3. A germicidal compound for preparing germicidal aqueous solution,comprising a mixture of cocoanut oil soap, and tri-sodium phosphate.

4:- A germicidal compound for preparing germicidal aqueous solution,comprising a mixture of 40% of cocoanut oil soap and 60% of tri-sodiumphosphate.

5. A germicidal compound for preparing germicidal aqueous solutioncomprising a mixture of 40% of cocoanut oil soap, 60% of tri-sodiumphosphate, and a trace of a substance serving by its change of colorwhen in solution to indicate acid and alkaline states of the solution ofsaid compound.

6. A germicidal compound for preparing germicidal aqueous solution,comprising a. mixture of 40% cocoanut oil soap, 60% trisodium phosphate,and a trace of acid fuch- SlIL JAMES JEFFRIES GooDwiN;

